Purity Cosmos Seeds Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos Purity seeds are a type of annual flower seed that produces large, white blooms with yellow centers. They are easy to grow, thrive in poor soil, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
This Cosmos, with its silky white petals and yellow centers, is definitely a favorite. There's just something about spotting such a pristine white flower in a garden that can get a bit messy. Plus, this annual is super easy to grow and will reseed itself for the next round of blooms.
Thanks to their Mexican roots, these vibrant annuals thrive in high heat and drought, showcasing their natural beauty and strength. Spanish conquistadors stumbled upon these flowers while searching for gold during their travels in Mexico. Mission gardens often featured them, and priests named them "cosmos," which means a harmonious whole in Greek, due to their perfectly arranged petals. These lovely flowers made their way to England with Spanish ambassadors in the late 1700s, and then to the U.S. in the next century.
Latin Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Species Origin: Mexico
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 4,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 48 Inches
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers
Sowing: In early spring or right after the last frost, sprinkle the Purity Cosmos seeds on top of loose soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until they germinate, which should happen within 10-20 days when the soil temperature is between 65-75 degrees F. If the soil is cooler, germination might take longer. You don’t need to thin the seedlings, but you can transplant them if they seem too crowded. Since these seeds sprout quickly in warm soil, you can plant them anytime before midsummer for another round of flowers. To start the Purity Cosmos seeds indoors, plant them on the surface of a tray 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost; keep the soil consistently moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until they germinate. Once there’s no risk of frost, move them outside.
Growing: Make sure to water these plants regularly until they start blooming; after that, they become pretty drought-resistant. Don’t over-water them, as they thrive in dry conditions and heat; if there’s a long dry spell, give them a deep watering now and then. If you notice the blooms starting to fade, trim the plant back to 12" to encourage new growth; you’ll see more flowers in about 4 weeks. Taller plants might need some support or staking. If you let them self-seed, this flower will give you a fresh batch of blooms next year. The white Purity Cosmos flower is a favorite among birds, butterflies, and bees.
Harvesting: Cosmos flowers make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers. Cut long stems of blossoms that have just opened, and take off any leaves that will be submerged in water. These flowers typically last 7-10 days in a vase. The white Purity Cosmos blossoms also look great as dried flowers.
Seed Saving: Let the flowers shed their petals and form spiky seed heads. Once they’re ripe, these heads will turn brown or dark brown and can be easily crumbled to expose the narrow, sharp seeds. Take the ripe seed heads and lay them out to dry in a spot that’s not in direct sunlight. After they’re fully dried, break the heads apart to get the seeds out from the husk. Keep the cleaned Purity Cosmos seeds in a cool, dry location.
